Seattle.gov Home Page City Services Staff Directory [WEB GRAPHIC] About Seattle.gov City Contacts
Seattle.gov Home Page
 SEARCH: 
Seattle.gov This Department
Link to Emergency Management Home Page Link to Emergency Management Home Page Link to Emergency Management About Us Page Link to Emergency Management Contact Us Page
Disaster ready...prepared people, resilient community
Barb Graff, Director

Hazards

Preparedness

Programs & Services

Training & Events

Recovery

Publications

 

Preparedness
Personal
- During a Disaster
- Family Plan
- Supply Kits
- Home Preparations
- For Kids and Parents
- Pet Preparedness
Neighborhood
Business
Mitigation
School & Daycare
Language Resources
Special Needs
Vendors and Contractors
More Preparedness Resources


Click here for Emergency Management Publications in Multiple Languages

Home Preparations

Home Retrofit Classes

For Homeowners:

Project Impact logo

In this two-hour class, you'll learn how to evaluate your home to determine if it qualifies for the standard earthquake retrofitting plan. You'll also find out:

  • How to retrofit your home using Project Impact's Regional Home Retrofit guidelines
  • Tool usage and proper installation of parts
  • How to brace pony walls
  • How to secure the first floor framing
  • Which engineering solutions can be applied to your home, and when
  • The expedited permit process regionally and building code requirements - why are they important?
  • Safety issues
  • Consumer information - How to work with one of the trained contractors

By using a "model" wall and tools, we will demonstrate correct usage of retrofitting methods and materials. Each participant will also receive a packet of literature and detailed drawings. This class is designed for all homeowners, whether you're planning to do the work yourself or hire a qualified contractor.

Cost: FREE

A number of classes are being offered in Seattle, with additional classes being added around the Puget Sound region. For information on dates, locations and registration call 1-877-2-BOLT-IT, or click here.

Remember: if you are going to hire a one of the trained contractors to retrofit your home, we still recommend that you attend a class to understand the process and to be a better informed consumer.

Phinney Neighborhood Association logo

Classes were developed in partnership with the Phinney Neighborhood Association


Earthquake Home Retrofit Training for Building Professionals and Licensed Contractors

This six-hour professional workshop provides a consistent, approved approach to the earthquake (seismic) retrofit of older, wood-frame homes regionally to reduce earthquake-induced damage. Course highlights are:

  • Includes basic concepts of earthquake design; characteristics of homes qualifying to use the Standard Earthquake Home Retrofit (SEHR) plan; earthquake retrofit work needed to implement the standard plan; permit application requirements; and legal and safety considerations.
  • Reflects a collaborative effort among Seattle Emergency Management's Project Impact, the UW Department of Construction Management, FEMA, and multiple jurisdictions' building departments around the Central Puget Sound area.
  • Enables builders, contractors, engineers, architects, inspectors, etc. to enhance their skills and potentially expand their business into new areas. Attendees receive a Certificate of Participation; and names of licensed professionals who complete this course (and are interested in expanding their business) will be made available to homeowners regionally.

Registration Information for Building Professionals and Licensed Contractors

Classes are taught once a year. To be notified of when this class is scheduled, please call 1-877-2-BOLT-IT.


Home Retrofit:

Home Retrofit Classes

Hiring Contractors for Home Retrofitting

Resources and Permits

Reduce Earthquake Hazards
There are many actions that you and your family can take at home to reduce injuries and protect your property before an earthquake happens. Conduct a home hazard hunt and look for potential hazards that could hurt or endanger your family.

The Rule of Thumb
If it would break or fall and hurt someone then bolt, anchor or strap it down!

If it would break or fall and block an exit then bolt, anchor, strap it down OR move to another area of the room!

During an emergency, go to www.seattle.gov for the latest information.


Emergency:
Dial 911
Non-Emergency Police:
206-625-5011
Non-Emergency Fire:
206-386-1400


Home | About Us | Contact Us | Preparedness | Recovery | Programs & Services | Hazards | Events | Publications